The official conclusion of the “100 Years Together: People, History, Future” programme saw US ambassador Georgette Mosbacher and Poland’s defence minister Mariusz Błaszczak laud the excellent state of Polish-US relations at the Polish 25th Airborne Cavalry Brigade’s base.

The US ambassador stated that the US’ engagement with Poland’s security, especially US forces’ permanent military presence, is irrefutable and stressed the depth of the Polish-US friendship, pointing out that economic and security partnerships are fundaments of a secure and stable future.

Ambassador Mosbacher recalled that the US and Poland began to celebrate the centenary of Poland regaining its independence a year ago with the “100 Years Together” programme, stressing, however, that numbers are not the most important consideration but the fact that she was capable of meeting young Poles is, because the continuation of Polish-US history lies ahead.

The US ambassador, together with Poland’s defence minister Mariusz Błaszczak, paid homage to the late former US president George H. W. Bush who died on November 30, 2018. Historical figures that embody connections between the histories of both nations such as Tadeusz Kościuszko, Kazimierz Pułaski and Ignacy Jan Paderewski were also commemorated.

“Strength and might are with us,” said Mr Błaszczak. During the event, the Polish minister recalled Poland’s strides towards regaining its independence and the US’ role in achieving that goal. Talking about their nearly hundred-year-old diplomatic relations, Mr Błaszczak mentioned former US presidents Woodrow Wilson, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush’s contribution to the regaining of Polish sovereignty.

“Today we are a free state, today we make our own destiny. And also today we protect Poland and not only Poland’s security as part of NATO. We exert ourselves to make our relations with… the USA the closest possible,” said Mr Błaszczak, thanking ambassador Mosbacher for her own dedication to the implementation of a permanent US military presence in Poland commonly referred to as “Fort Trump”.

“We are bound to achieve this success,” said Poland’s defence minister Mariusz Błaszczak. The “100 Years Together” programme aimed to celebrate the centenary of Poland regaining its independence and next year’s centenary of the establishment of US-Polish diplomatic relations.